Telia & TXO: Partnering for Sustainable Telecommunications

As technology develops and connectivity requirements evolve, telcos must too – and leading Nordic telecommunications company Telia has successfully modernised its mobile network while adhering to stringent sustainability principles.
The company has completed a nationwide 5G network rollout in Norway, upgrading thousands of base stations with cutting-edge equipment. This modernisation has not only enhanced network performance but also addressed the critical question of what happens to the old infrastructure.
“In connection with the modernisation of our mobile network, large amounts of equipment were generated that we wanted to process in the most sustainable way possible. We have a goal of zero waste by 2030. Therefore, reuse and recycling must be high on the agenda in everything we do, and that of course also includes the 5G modernisation”, says Camilla Watz Johannessen, Head of Sustainability at Telia Norway.
Telia and TXO: Partnering for sustainability
Telia has partnered with TXO, an international reuse and recycling specialist, to manage the disposal of its old network equipment.
The company has sent 12,805 used equipment parts to TXO's facility in Eskilstuna, Sweden, totaling 70 tons of hardware.
TXO's advanced "i-JUDGE" system meticulously assesses each piece of equipment, determining whether it can be resold, reused, or should be recycled. This process has yielded impressive results:
- 622 parts have been reintegrated into Telia's own network
- 1,723 parts have been resold for use in other networks
- More than 8,000 parts have been recycled
Perhaps most notably, components from Telia's network have found new homes in 35 different countries, showcasing the global impact of this local initiative.
“Telia has sent 12,805 used equipment parts after the 5G upgrade to TXO in Eskilstuna, Sweden,” Camilla continues.
“The international company is Telia's reuse and recycling partner, and through its products and services, TXO significantly extends the lifespan of telecom equipment. TXO scans all network equipment that Telia has dismantled, and their system "i-JUDGE" determines whether the units are in such a condition that they can be put into a warehouse for resale and reuse, or whether they should be recycled.
“Of the 70 tons we have sent to TXO, we have reused 622 parts in our network ourselves, 1,723 parts have been resold, and more than 8,000 parts have been recycled. In total, parts of our network are located in 35 different countries so far”.
Meet Telia
Serving millions of customers daily, Telia provides essential digital infrastructure, ICT services, and entertainment across the Nordic and Baltic regions.
With 26 million mobile, broadband and TV subscriptions, Telia plays a crucial role in keeping people, companies and societies connected.
Alongside its commitment to connectivity sits Telia’s sustainability initiatives, what sets Telia apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The company's zero waste initiative is just one facet of a broader environmental strategy that aims to create a more sustainable future for telecommunications.
TXO: Uniting telecommunications in sustainability
At the heart of Telia's sustainability success lies its partnership with TXO, a global leader in sustainable telecom network solutions.
TXO, a collective of four brands including MMX, Lynx and TEQPORT, is revolutionising the way telcos approach sustainability.
TXO's vision to be "the world's local partner for sustainable telecom networks" drives its commitment to the circular economy. The company offers a comprehensive range of services designed to extend the life of telecom networks, from sourcing nearly a million multi-vendor network parts to responsible decommissioning.
TXO's "circle of value" concept streamlines sustainable telecom network management, focusing on asset recovery, testing, repair, efficient spare parts management, and network and engineering services. This approach not only enhances environmental sustainability but also delivers financial efficiency to its partners.
TXO's partnership with TowerBrook Delta further reinforces its dedication to sustainable and efficient telecom network management. By leveraging innovation and global reach, TXO empowers networks with smarter, eco-friendly solutions that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Telia and their sustainability work, and the collaboration has enabled us to set an industry standard,” shares Kelsie Raynes, Key Account Director at TXO.
“Telia has always been forward-thinking and is taking the lead in promoting sustainable solutions for the telecom sector. Their contribution goes beyond selling used equipment into the circular economy; they also reuse their own equipment and buy refurbished products from TXO. This approach enables Telia to maintain their network in an environmentally friendly way by extending its lifespan while minimising waste.”
“Sustainable practices among operators are on the rise. When we discuss with potential customers and customers who want to adopt more sustainable approaches to their networks, we often highlight Telia as a good example of best practice.”
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